Infuriating, insufferable woman those angered thoughts kept circulating through Sesshomaru's mind as he walked back to his office. How dare she question his ability in choosing a sitter for his Rin?It's obvious she has no idea who I am, and what I'm capable of he thought, trying to sooth the anger that was boiling under the cool mask of his usual stoic expression.
It didn't help that Kagura was hanging onto his arm, practically cutting off all circulation. If she gripped him any harder he was going to snap her arms off. The thought sounded very attractive the closer they got to his office. Just a little further, then I can pull down the blinds and kill her without anyone noticing. No one will miss her his mind whirled as the thoughts kept egging him on and making it seem like there couldn't possibly be an down side to killing Kagura.
Of course he could never allow his mind to control him, he had a reputation to keep, and he wouldn't endanger it for the fleeting moment of bliss he felt after a kill. Trying to keep his mind busy, and off the idea of killing Kagura, he noticed that Rin wasn't walking beside him like she usually did. The little girl's absence was enough to make Sesshomaru whirl on his heel and head back towards the new employee's office. Ms. Higurashi, was it? She obviously doesn't understand just who I am at all.
"Rin!" Kagura called into the hallway and Sesshomaru turned towards Kagura in mild surprise at her guessing why he was heading back. Of course it was a somewhat obvious situation, the only reason he would ever return to an employee's office would be for Rin. Seconds ticked by without an answer, and Sesshomaru was about to barge into Ms. Higurashi's office when Rin popped out of her office doorway and made her way over to them.
He was about to comment on her disobedience when he noted the light in her eyes and the skip in her step. It has been so long since I've seen another make Rin that happy he thought idly and couldn't help it when his eyes drifted towards Ms. Higurashi's door. I'll allow this one incident to slide...for now, he thought icily.
"You disobedient girl! How dare you not listen to Sesshomaru or I?" Kagura growled at her and Sesshomaru's eyes hardened when he saw the joy leave Rin's face and tears prick those cinnamon colored eyes.
"That's enough, Kagura," Sesshomaru ordered and Kagura stared at him in shock before she seemed to collect herself and gave him a smile. "I'm sorry, Sesshomaru," she cooed, "but I was only thinking that she needs to learn to listen to her betters and not disobey so openly," Kagura added with a suggestive smirk.
"You are not Rin's "better," and you are to call me Mr. Tashio only. We are not on friendly terms," Sesshomaru replied, the slight anger in his voice instantly shutting off Kagura's playful mood. Good he thought, maybe now I won't have to kill her.
He turned his disapproving glare from Kagura's still shocked face to Rin and noted that she still seemed on the verge of tears. Ms. Higurashi's words rang in his head and Sesshomaru lowered his eyes from Rin's face in slight guilt for not acknowledging Rin's displeasure with Kagura.
True, he had known the two females despised each other, but he had assumed Rin could still find enjoyment in her time with Kagura somehow. The little girl always seemed to find enjoyment in everything she did. But that he was blind to her fear of the woman angered Sesshomaru deeply. Never would Rin be subjected to fear again, not after she had lived most of her young life that way.
Not voicing his actions he knelt down next to Rin and gently scooped her up in his arms to hold her bridal style against his chest. She seemed slightly surprised by his actions, but melted against him and he cradled her head with his shoulder.
Her tiny hands grabbed a hold of his suit and she buried her head in his chest, an action he had learned meant she wished to hide from the world and all its inhabitants. He adverted his eyes from her cradled form and continued to walk towards his office. He noted out of the corner of his eye that Kagura wasn't following, but rather was glaring at them as if angered by the display. Peace Sesshomaru thought somewhat happily as he relished in the idea that Kagura would stand there for the remainder of the day and leave him be.
A moment later, the sound of clicking heels dashed his hopes of any kind of peace and he braced himself when Kagura made it to his side.
"You shouldn't carry her around like that, you'll spoil her," Kagura stated in disgust before glaring down at Rin's balled form. Sesshomaru tightened his hold around her protectively before sending Kagura a warning glare.
"You are no longer needed, Kagura. I will see you back at the house," Sesshomaru stated and enjoyed, probably much more than he should, the shock that passed over Kagura's face before fury set in. He knew she hated being ordered around, especially if it meant that she couldn't be with him. He was aware of the obvious games she liked to play to get his attention.
"Wouldn't Rin just get in your way if I'm not here to watch her?" Kagura asked and made sure to pout seductively, the expression showing off her features that her make-up emphasized.
"You have already proven useless in that department. Now go before I decide to fire you," Sesshomaru threatened and Kagura glared at him before whirling on her heel and heading in the opposite direction. He didn't miss the way she swung her hips more than she usually did, she's trying to make me regret my decision, Sesshomaru thought but ignored her petty attempt at trying to change his mind.
His attention reverted back to Rin as he let out an inward sigh, it seemed that no one was good enough to match her high standards. He envisioned all the women that had come flocking to his door when he had posted a need for a babysitter in the local paper. There had been so many willing, and yet Rin detested all of them. None seemed to make her happy, and he had a sneaky suspicion that it was due to their humanity.
Rin never seemed to like the company of humans. She never liked it at the day-care he tried to send her to or any of the children that surrounded her everyday. So he had tried out his theory with a demoness by hiring Kagura, in hopes that that had been the problem. But even Kagura wasn't good enough for Rin, in fact she blatantly feared the woman. At least she notices Rin he thought with a solemn grimace.
Most of the women didn't even acknowledge Rin's presence whenever he was around. Another fact that could've contributed to the little girl's dislike of her various babysitters. He assumed that all this attention he received from women was due to the fact that he looked "exotic" compared to other men, and he was sure his money didn't help matters much either.
His thoughts ceased when he appeared in front of his office door. Grabbing hold of the golden knob, he twisted it lightly before pushing the door open. The glass door swung wide open as he set Rin down and went to sit in his chair behind his desk. Rin stared after him for a moment before plopping down on the floor and began pulling on the strings that stuck out of his rug. He would've made her cease her actions if only her saddened face from moments before didn't enter his mind.
"Rin," he called stoically. The little girl continued to pull on the strings for a moment before bringing her gaze up to his.
"Yes?" she asked sweetly, seeming ready to do whatever it was he wanted. His gaze softened slightly at her allegiance to him before it reverted back to his usual expression of neutrality.
"Do you wish to watch me work?" he asked, though felt slightly guilty for asking when he saw the little girl's shoulders slump, her excitement rapidly fading out of her dark eyes.
"I'll only get in your way," she murmured quietly, and had he been human he might not have heard her. "No you wouldn't," he retorted, slightly surprised that she would take Kagura's words to heart. She kept her gaze on the floor and gave him a slight shrug, seeming to not care either way.
"If I won't be entertaining to you, would you like to go explore the company halls? You always seem to enjoy that," Sesshomaru tried, and smirked slightly when the girl's eyes widened with glee and she jumped to her feet.
"Yeah! I'm gonna explore the company," she repeatedly chanted while she danced in place, the excitement he had seen earlier had returned in full force.
"Let me call Jaken to watch over you," he stated, giving himself an invisible pat on the back for returning the girl's happiness once again. Just as he picked up the phone her little parade stopped and she let out an exasperated groan.
"Not him!" she exclaimed, but he merely rose a brow at her while listening to the rings on the other side of the line.
"Hello?" Jaken's scratchy voice greeted over the line. "Hello Jaken," he greeted in return and heard the little man squeak in surprise before replying, "Oh! Sir! Please forgive my rude greeting! What can I do for you?" he asked obdiently.
"Come up to watch over Rin, she wishes to explore the halls," Sesshomaru ordered and heard the man gulp on the other line. "But sir, that isn't my job. If there's any business transactions or phone calls needed to be made I'll be happy to-"
"I do not care if it isn't your job to watch her. I am your boss and you will do as I say," Sesshomaru cut in, and if his voice had been his claws it would be dripping poison.
'"Y-Yes sir!" Jaken exclaimed, "I'll be up in mere moments!" he added enthusiastically just as Sesshomaru hung up his phone. While he waited for Jaken's appearance, Sesshomaru doted on the fact that he was such a faithful employee. If only all his employees were so loyal.
(Divider)
"Rin! Rin! RIN! Stop running around! If I lose you again Sesshomaru will most definitely kill me this time!" Jaken yelled as he tried to keep up with Rin's longer strides. Though Rin was only seven she was slightly taller than Jaken who by any standards, demon or human, was a very tiny being. Rin always enjoyed using that fact to her advantage. It wasn't all the time that Rin found someone she could outrun.
"Daddy said I could whatever I want, and I intend to," Rin replied as she outstretched her arms like airplane wings as she continued to outrun Jaken.
"Don't think you aren't on a leash girl! If you were able to do anything you wanted to, he wouldn't have sent me to watch over you," Jaken pointed out before slowing his pace to catch his breath. Rin slowed down as well and crossed her arms over her chest before sticking her tongue out at Jaken, who merely growled at her from his crouched position.
"I know what he said, and I'll do what I want. Don't think I won't!" she exclaimed before making a mad dash down the hallway. "You little-" Jaken growled, "how I wish Sesshomaru would just trade you in for a pet, than I could put a leash around it and tie it to my desk," he added between huffs.
"I heard that!" Rin exclaimed hotly before sending him the darkest glare she could muster. Unfortunately, it didn't seem to work, for Jaken just stood and ran towards her. She was about to start running again when she spotted movement out of the corner of her eye. Turning slightly to the right, she spotted raven hair before seeing a woman's face. It's that woman, the one from before! Rin thought excitedly.
The raven haired woman turned towards her doorway and suddenly spotted her as well. Her eyes widened slightly in surprise before they softened and she gave her a little warm smile. Rin watched as she got up from her desk and walked around it to approach the door.
"Hello again," she stated and Rin nodded in greeting, "are you running from your babysitter again?" she asked with a laughing twinkle in her eye.
"No, now I'm running from Jaken. He's my dad's personal assistant," Rin replied and the woman let out a chiming laugh before opening her door wider.
"I'll hide you," she winked and Rin's smile widened at her little joke before she hurried inside. The woman made sure to close the door behind her. A moment later she heard Jaken calling for her in the hallway, but pointedly ignored the man's calls and turned her attention back to the nice raven haired woman.
"I don't know if we've been properly introduced. My name is Kagome Higurashi, what's yours?" the woman, Kagome, asked. "Rin Tashio," she replied a little shyly. She wasn't used to introducing herself to others. The only people she ever really knew were those who already knew her, such as Sesshomaru and his parents along with his half-brother Inuyasha. Of course, Jaken knew her too, but she ignored that fact. He's a meanie anyway, she thought pointedly.
"It's nice to meet you, Rin Tashio," Kagome stated with a friendly smile before extending her hand. Rin stared at it for a moment in confusion. What did she want her to do with her hand?
"Just shake it," Kagome helped, "it's the formal way of introducing yourself to someone," Rin nodded and grabbed her hand tightly before giving it one hard shake. Kagome let out a laugh when she let go and smiled down at her, "What a firm handshake! You'll be a wonderful businesswoman," she commented and Rin couldn't help but blush slightly at her statement. I could be just like Daddy someday! She thought with a smile.
"Would you like to watch some videos with me on my laptop?" Kagome asked kindly, inclining her head towards her desk. Rin was about to answer when she looked to the ground and bit her lower lip, "I'll keep you from your work," she murmured as she lightly kicked the ground with her foot.
"No you won't, I finished all my work already," Kagome replied and made her way over to her desk before sitting down on her leather chair. Rin took a moment to sweep her eyes around her office. It was a lot smaller than her dad's office, not to mention that everything in it didn't look as nice or as expensive. The books were outdated, the rug looked slightly used and even her laptop wasn't as slick as her dad's.
"My dad's office is bigger," she commented, but instantly regretted it when she saw Kagome's face fall slightly. "I'm sorry, I didn't meant to be mean," she replied immediately. Kagome's smile returned and she nodded to her. "Don't worry about it. Since your dad is the owner of the company it's only right that his office is bigger than mine," she answered.
Rin inched slowly towards Kagome, still unsure if she could trust her. She had been nice enough to stick up for her when Kagura had been mean, but she still didn't know her all that well. Would she yell at her like Kagura did? Rin only assumed that she'd have to take a chance and find out.
"I'll be heading home by the time you get to my chair," Kagome teased and Rin's head shot up in surprise. So she wants me to hurry does she? Rin thought with a competitive smirk. Running as fast as she could she jumped onto Kagome's lap and grabbed hold of her arms to steady herself.
"Was that fast enough?" she asked and her smirk widened when she noted the look of surprise on Kagome's face before she threw her head back and laughed.
"You're alright, kid," she stated once her laughs had started to die down. Rin grinned up at her before letting her arms go and settling more comfortably in her lap while Kagome started typing things into her laptop.
She started looking up things on a website called You Tube. Rin had never heard of such a site before, and was amazed at what they watched. Everyday people were dancing around and singing like they were in a movie, but they weren't! The concept confused Rin and she wondered how these people got their video up on this site.
Time seemed to pass by so quickly that Rin didn't even notice how long she had been in Kagome's office until she felt her father's demonic aura fill the hallway. She stiffened slightly before slumping in embarrassment. She must've been with Kagome for a long time if her father was coming to find her.
She felt his aura stop in front of Kagome's door and saw him stand there for a moment with a dark scowl. Oh no, he's going to kill her! Rin thought in fear. Her father was fiercely protective of her and had killed others for far less, so she wouldn't put it past him to kill Kagome now. She knew that look on her father's face, he only looked like that if he was going to kill something.
Thinking on her feet, Rin quickly turned around and gave Kagome a tight hug. She felt her tense slightly before she returned the hug with a light laugh. "Thank you," Rin murmured in her ear before pulling away and sliding off her lap. Kagome watched her for a moment before looking up and gave out a gasp of surprise when she noticed Sesshomaru standing in the doorway.
"Mr. Tashio," she breathed and Rin felt bad when she noted the fear in Kagome's voice. Trying to remedy the situation, Rin pulled a smile and skipped over to her father. His eyes transferred from Kagome to her just as she stopped in front of him.
"Daddy! We had a lot of fun! We watched You Tube videos, I want to watch some more!" Rin exclaimed as happily as she could without it being overbearing. His eyes softened slightly before he extended his hand and Rin quickly slid her hand in his larger one.
"Ms. Higurashi," he called towards Kagome. Rin flinched slightly at the strict tone of his voice, the only time he ever used that voice was when he was very cross about something. Guilt worried Rin's heart as she looked to the floor, feeling that it was her fault that Kagome was in trouble, again.
"Though I thank you for finding and watching over my daughter, you will not do so again. What do I pay you for?" he added, the strictness in his voice never wavering. Rin looked up to catch Kagome's reaction, but only saw what looked like mild shock on her face.
"To watch over transactions and make sure they run smoothly," Kagome muttered and Sesshomaru gave her a curt nod. "It's just that, well, she was running around the hallway and no one was around so I thought I'd watch her until someone came to retrieve her," Kagome added desperately. Rin was surprised and touched that Kagome didn't rat her out about running from Jaken. What confused her was why she would take all the blame, no human she had ever met was so kind.
"Yes Daddy," Rin agreed and made sure to squeeze his hand to get his attention, "Ms. Higurashi is really nice, and I had a lot of fun with her," Rin tried, but didn't see his expression falter. His gaze reverted back to Kagome and Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes at her before speaking.
"You will not watch over my daughter again. Leave her to me or her babysitter," he ordered and Rin saw Kagome gulp in fear before she nodded her head. Without a goodbye, Sesshomaru gently pulled on Rin's hand and they left Kagome's office in silence.
(Divider)